The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service, the DGzRS, designs all of its boats as Selbstaufrichter, self-righters. On the newer rescue boats, extra buoyancy chambers bring the boat upright again after it has capsized. About 20 rescue cruisers and 40 rescue boats stand ready at 55 stations from Borkum to Usedom, in any weather, around the clock.
The service was founded in Kiel on 29 May 1865, and it takes no tax money. About 13,000 small collection boxes shaped like ships stand on counters across the country. They bring in up to a million euros a year.